My local guy has been has a good reputation and has quoted me $1400. He diagnosed the problem today and says it was probably not aligned properly when the PO had the engine rebuilt in 2006. I owe him $100 for his time today (dip it in the lake, run it, pull the drive). We are a busy family with three young boys but I could devote a weekend to the job if I was confident I could do it and not run into major headaches. I could possibly use a crane at work but would need to be in and out in a weekend, working by myself. Or I could do it outside with a rented cherry picker I suppose and have a little more time. I have worked on a variety of cars in the past but never pulled a motor from an I/O before. Whaddya think, how long would this job take a backyard mechanic like myself? I have an extensive hand tool set and access to air tools etc but no specialty tools for aligning the drive.
Thanks for your help. I would like to make a decision soon as a courtesy to the mechanic.
Thanks for your help. I would like to make a decision soon as a courtesy to the mechanic.